Reader's Q&A: Paul Sullivan's Cubs mailbag

Cubs outfield prospect Albert Almora talks about his first visit this season to Wrigley Field.

Cubs outfield prospect Albert Almora talks about his first visit this season to Wrigley Field.

Paul Sullivan, Tribune reporter

Baseball has stats for everything. Has anybody figured out the Cubs' team ERA in the eighth inning? It's gotta be in the teens. Ken, Portland, Ore.

Not quite. The Cubs had a 5.42 ERA in eighth innings as of July 10, with an .818 OPS. Not good. But ERA-wise, their worst inning actually has been the sixth (5.83). They do have a 2.97 ERA in the first innings, thanks to many strong starts from Travis Wood, Jeff Samardzija, Matt Garza and Scott Feldman. Either way, the late-inning disasters have prevented the Cubs from getting to .500, which is why the overhaul began with the departures of Carlos Marmol and Shawn Camp. Early returns are encouraging.

Paul, I fully understand you’re not able to openly provide Theo Epstein's e-mail address, but per your contacts, I am sure you can get your July 1 mailbag to him. All questions asked about keeping Garza were legit and you know it. Why get rid of him? Won't bore you here, but you know they will likely have position players and will then need starters. Garza and Jeff Samardzija are close to the same age. They will need both to have a chance. If money is the issue, Cubs fans will go bananas. Then it becomes a Ricketts issue. Can you get this done and get some answers for all? Scott P., Grand Rapids, Mich.

I definitely will let Theo know you asked for his e-mail to tell him not to trade Garza. I’ll let you know what he says. I understand people want Garza to stay, but it’s not like the Cubs haven’t spoken to him about what he wants to stay here a few years. Apparently, it is much more than they are willing to give him, perhaps looking at his recent history of injuries. Players are always taking things “day to day,” except when it comes to asking for four- or five-year contracts. If Garza really wants to stay, he should ask for a one-year deal and an option for 2015 to prove he can stay healthy for an entire season.

I see the Pirates, who already have two center fielders in the plus category, have another one in Baseball America's top 15 prospects. Any chance the Cubs could package a Garza for the stretch run and a young player to get a position of need filled now? I know the Pirates need a shortstop, but I don't want to deal Javier Baez. Kirby, Windsor IL

Baez is not going anywhere, so don’t worry. Not sure if the Cubs would send Garza to a division rival, though since it’s just a two-month rental until he becomes a free agent, maybe that’s not a problem. The Brewers got shortstop Jean Segura in the Greinke deal to the Angels last year, and he’s now an All-Star and hitting .320. It would be nice if the Cubs could pull something like that off, no matter where Garza winds up. He’s really their only truly valuable chip.

Why are the Cubs going to mess with the center field scoreboard? It doesn’t need an ad on it. I thought the scoreboard was off limits and had city landmark protection? Kim J., Stockton, Mo.

The Cubs want to put advertising on the center field scoreboard clock as part of their plan to sell every nook and cranny of Wrigley Field, including the baskets and shrubbery. The Landmarks Commission is apparently rolling over, as expected, and the Cubs did themselves no favor by hiding the specifics of their signage plans until the Tribune story revealed them this week. It’s hard to believe Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts told me back in 2009, when the family was buying the team: “You'd put us more in the camp of traditionalists, because we all have a feel for the Wrigley vibe. There's something special about seeing a game here, that I think we all understand. ... We'll be open-minded to opportunities down the line to improve the stadium, but I think typically we're going to be pretty close to the experience the fans love already." Obviously, Ricketts’ vision has changed, and the New Wrigley will be a very different experience for Cubs fans. Whether that’ll be better or worse will be in the eye of the beholder.

What has happened with or what is the update on Scott Baker? Is he still in the Cubs' future plans? Peter S., Cary, Ill.

Baker is throwing simulated games and about to embark on a minor league rehab stint. I retired from covering simulated games after Mark Prior made the Simulated Game Hall of Fame. The Cubs expect Baker back by late August, or possibly September. He could be in their 2014 plans, though he’ll be a free agent again and so they’ll have to re-sign him. Baker made $5.5 million and had several performance bonuses for finishing at intervals between 145-190 innings. Didn’t pan out.

How did the relatively new Cubs management justify giving the young guy Anthony Rizzo a lengthy seven-year contract so early in his major league career? Robert S. B., New Braunfels, Texas

They believe the seven-year, $41 million deal is a bargain, based on his future potential and their knowledge of his character. In other words, it won’t make him less hungry to succeed, as instant millions sometimes does to well-intentioned athletes. Obviously, Rizzo’s character is insignificant if he can’t hit consistently at the big league level, but they’re not concerned about that. He’s very streaky so far, and needs to go on a hot streak. He’s struggled since June, shortly after signing the deal. Hopefully for the Cubs, it pans out.

When are the Cubs going to turn things around? It seems that they are only interested in providing winners for other teams. I am personally fed up. Maurice D., Rock Island, Ill.

Tune out if you’re so fed up. This is not a rebuild for those without patience. I’ll e-mail you when they turn things around.

I know that the Cubs are stocking up with prospects, but is there any chance that they will go after any free agents next year? If so, who? Barry, Carmel, Ind.

Have the Cubs ever considered a different position for Starlin Castro? Second or, even better, third base? I don't think he will ever be a reliable shortstop but he would be better at third than Aramis Ramirez was and I'm sure his hitting will improve. Steve K., Omaha, Neb.

Not yet, but stay tuned. Baez is in Double-A now so they’ll probably have to make a decision by late next year or 2015.

Committed -- to doing what it takes to lose. Leaky bullpen? Check. Poor outfield defense? Check. Low RISP? Check. If I watch much more of this, I will have to be committed! I've been dying a hard, slow, long death since 1969... But I still love the Cubs! Kevin N., Highlands Ranch, Colo.

Maybe you should quit if it’s killing you. The Cubs don’t put a warning label on tickets, so it’s up to every individual as to whether they want to risk their mental health by following the Cubs. Sometimes you have to give up some things you love in order to save your life. Take a year off and check back in 2015 when Baez is up.